Interpreter/Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR Türkiye, which is part of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. UNHCR was established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. UNHCR Türkiye specifically focuses on supporting refugees and asylum-seekers in Turkey, working closely with the Turkish government to enhance the protection and assistance provided to these vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The position of Interpreter/Assistant is crucial for the Gaziantep Field Unit of UNHCR Türkiye, particularly in the context of monitoring voluntary returns of refugees. The incumbent will be responsible for providing interpretation services during interviews and counseling sessions, ensuring that communication between returnees and UNHCR staff is accurate and impartial. This role also involves translating written materials related to the voluntary return process and accompanying field teams to border crossings. The position requires flexibility, as it may involve working late hours, weekends, and holidays depending on operational needs. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times, especially when dealing with sensitive information related to protection.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Interpreter/Assistant will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing accurate interpretation between returnees and UNHCR staff during interviews and counseling sessions.
• Translating written materials such as information leaflets, consent forms, and return-related documentation from and into relevant languages.
• Accompanying field teams to border crossings to provide interpretation during monitoring activities.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality and professional neutrality, especially when dealing with sensitive protection-related information.
• Reporting to the Assistant Field Officer or other assigned UNHCR staff, submitting reports related to duties through established mechanisms.
• Preparing timesheets for any night shifts or overtime hours and submitting them to the supervisor.
• Attending periodic office-wide and team-specific meetings, staying updated with relevant documents, and participating in related training as approved by the office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience, along with a High School Diploma or a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Core competencies required for this position include accountability, communication, organizational awareness, teamwork and collaboration, commitment to continuous learning, and client and result orientation. While there are no mandatory qualifications, desirable attributes include excellent team-working skills, a consistent and positive approach to work, and a strong command of Turkish, Arabic, and English, both spoken and written.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes at least a High School Diploma. A Bachelor's degree or higher is preferred but not mandatory. The focus is on relevant experience in interpretation or assistance roles, particularly in contexts involving refugees or vulnerable populations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience. This experience should ideally be in a similar role, providing interpretation or assistance in a humanitarian or refugee context. Candidates with experience working with diverse populations, particularly in crisis situations, will be viewed favorably.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Turkish, Arabic, and English, with a strong command required in both spoken and written forms. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with returnees and UNHCR staff. Additional languages may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a local entry and mid-level support role, with a target start date of April 1, 202

• The contract duration is subject to operational needs and satisfactory service, with no expectation of renewal beyond the expiry date. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and the possibility of work on weekends and official holidays. The incumbent will receive annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month and sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service. Medical coverage is provided through Cigna Health Insurance, which is also available for eligible dependents, subject to additional contribution rates. The remuneration will be based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale at the G4 or G5 level, as applicable. Non-Turkish candidates must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before any offer can be made, and applications must be submitted through Workday, ensuring all relevant experience and language skills are accurately reflected.